JT Carlson Named NFL Play Football Youth Coach of the Week by the Kansas City Chiefs

The coaching world has come full circle for JT Carlson, the Week 7 winner of the NFL Play Football Youth Coach of the Week Award, representing the Kansas City Chiefs.

Carlson is one of our winners who currently coaches at both the youth and high school levels. In addition to leading the Fort Osage Indians in the Heart of America Pop Warner Football League, Carlson also serves as an assistant coach for Oak Grove High School.

Coach Carlson enjoys working with athletes at every level, but the youth side truly inspires him: “I enjoy the energy and passion of the kids. They have a positive outlook and attitude about life in general. God has given us a great opportunity as youth coaches to channel that energy and passion into football, teaching impactful and important life lessons.”

Among many highlights from his 15 years in youth coaching, last year stands out as a special one with the Indians winning a championship that tested his players’ resolve.

“The game went into overtime,” said Coach Carlson. “We gave up a touchdown on the opening possession, but our kids responded by stopping the extra point. We then scored a touchdown and converted the extra point to win. The coolest thing was seeing how they responded in the moment—no panic, just calm encouragement for one another. They had a next-play mentality and overcame adversity.”

Carlson believes he’s blessed to impact young athletes in ways that go beyond the game itself: “Sports, especially football, are a microcosm of life. We share weekly quotes and thoughts on our practice schedules, discussing them at the start and end of every practice and game.”

“In everything we do, we try to point to the bigger picture, using football as a tool for teaching life lessons. We believe in setting high standards and expectations, and holding kids accountable. They can achieve and handle more than they think—and, at times, more than adults expect. Our philosophy is to use football to help kids develop the confidence to achieve great things.”

Carlson says he’s still smiling about receiving the Youth Coach of the Week Award.

“It’s an awesome and great honor,” said Carlson. “I didn’t know about it until I received an email about the award. From my understanding, several parents on our team nominated me and wrote highly about me. God has blessed our team with supportive parents and amazing kids who truly believe in our program. I really see this as a team award!”

Roman Oben, NFL Vice President of Football Development, praised the honorees: “The NFL Play Football Coach of the Week Award in partnership with AYF & Pop Warner honors those who do more than teach the game at the younger levels. It celebrates leaders who inspire character, teamwork, and a lifelong love of football in the next generation.”

Steve Strawbridge, President/CEO of Pop Warner, adds: “We’re thrilled to team up with the NFL on the Youth Coach of the Week program because it celebrates the true lifeblood of our organization and youth football: the volunteer coaches. They are the mentors who not only develop young athletes’ skills on the field but also shape them as people. This award is a meaningful way to thank those who give so much to our game and our communities, ensuring the sport remains strong for the next generation.”

Throughout the 2025 season, American Youth Football and Pop Warner organizations, in partnership with the NFL, are recognizing 10 youth coaches of the week, each representing an NFL club.